In Blog,Sales,Updates on July 15, 2010 by admin
Now that Stamps.com sells USPS international first class postage I use it to ship all my items around the world. I love the fact that it imports information directly from paypal, lets you create shipping labels with quickbooks, and shows the status of the shipment without having to individually click each shipment.
In addition, you can easily print a scan form that is used at the post office to show the items were accepted to at the post office. (No more having to explain to the customer that the item was dropped off but never scanned – no more messages with delivery confirmation saying that the post office was only electronically notified of a shipment.)
Before Stamps.com I was using Endicia.com. But I find with the importing process reducing my time preparing shipping its a much better deal.
And the reason why I use stamps.com over paypal shipping?
1. You can use credit card (that’s 1% cash back with my credit card!)
2. You can pick and choose which packages are listed in your scan form – remember once you get that scan form scanned none of the postage is refundable so its always nice to be able to choose which packages are included in the scan form.
3. Its easy to see the status of your shipment as it shows there without needing to click. Imagine having to click every single item – that would take me some time.
You can try it out too! First month free by using the coupon below.
In Bag Makin' Supplies,Blog,Pronged Magnetic Snaps,Tutorials,Updates on July 9, 2010 by admin Tagged: antique brass, DIY, gold, how to, magnetic snaps, nickel, prong, purse closure, purse snap, tutorial
I often receive questions about the best way to install pronged magnetic snaps. To this end, I have written many emails and messages about the same subject but failed to make it easy on both you and me by posting my answer online. Awhile ago I re-wrote the directions on Answers.com and thought it would be even easier if I provided this information on my own website.
I wrote this answer to the question:
How do you sew magnetic snaps onto a purse or handbag?
There are a couple of different types of magnetic snaps but the most popular type is the prong type. One set comes with a female part (its magnetic with a dimple in the middle), a male part (non-magnetic and fits in the female part), and two washers to secure the parts in place.
The instructions really depend on where you decide to install this snap. In general, make sure that you only intend to have the magnetic side showing as the opposite side looks very unappealing. Most people install these into the lining of the bag so if you do, make sure to install these before you sew the lining on.
First, you need to determine where you want to install the snaps. To do this, align the washers on the fabric where you want your snap and place a mark on the back side of your fabric. These marks are where you will make slits so that the prongs of the snaps can fit in place.
Second, make slits on the marks you made. I suggest making the slits smaller than necessary because if you make them too large, your snaps will move around and will not be so secure. Also, many people apply different techniques to prevent ripping of the slits. (The tear is caused by the pulling apart of the strong magnetic snaps – the tear is usually at the bottom of the slit). Some people treat the slits as button holes and sew the slits that way. If you do this, make sure that sewing you do cannot be seen and is hidden behind the snap.
Other techniques include applying interfacing (I suggest the iron on). If you do this, I suggest ironing the interfacing on and then cutting the slits.
I’ve also used plastic canvas as support. I cut a piece of plastic canvas that is larger than the washer and stick the piece in between the fabric and washer.
As the previous author suggested, Fray Check could also be used. Just make sure that you don’t end up gluing the wrong things together.
Third, install the female or male part by placing the piece on the good side of your fabric so that the prongs end up on the back side of the fabric. Then, place the washer over the prongs and fold the prongs toward the center. I suggest using pliers to fold the prongs over.
Make sure everything is nice and snug and repeat to install the second part.
![[160yen - A day on the Yamanote line] - Osaki - 16:37](http://static.flickr.com/4107/4962921265_dd8f14a6ca_t.jpg "[160yen - A day on the Yamanote line] - Osaki - 16:37")
